West Brom are reportedly set to make a move for Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho in the upcoming January transfer window.
According to theLiverpool Echo, the Baggies are weighing up a possibleloan move for the Frenchman, with Jurgen Klopp expected to allow him to leave.
The centre-back controversially failed a drugs test last at the end of last season, and, despite later being cleared,hasn't featured for the Reds since. The defenderwas alsosent home from Liverpool's pre-season tour of the USA for breaking club rules, as well as criticising the club overhis lack of action on social media.
West Brom want to offer @mamadousakho a route out of #LFC https://t.co/sMzAPZguEc pic.twitter.com/0uJ7b2H51R
He has also experienced injury and disciplinary problems, resulting in a fall down the defensive pecking order at the club.
With new signing Joel Matip having settled in well, and Dejan Lovren performing well alongside him, it looks unlikely that Sakho will return to the team anytime soon.
This lack of opportunity could prompt Tony Pulis and West Brom to make their move, although Sakho has already turned them down once before.Turkish side Besiktas and Stoke also attempted to land the defender on loan in the summer, but he opted to remain at Anfield.
Former teammate Mario Balotelli recently encouraged Sakho to join Ligue 1 leaders Nice, where the enigmatic Italian now plays his football.
"I speak with him from time to time. I said to him: 'What a waste a player like you is not playing'," Balotelli said, quoted bySky Sports.
"He has to leave. I said to him: 'If you want, come to Nice.' I am going to speak to him about it. In January, it would be good."